The most common question I get is “When should I take maternity photos?”

You know what’s funny? The first time I heard that question I actually thought the mom meant what season of the year!😂 My mind immediately went to spring because everywhere you look there are buds on trees, flowers are pushing through the soil, and the world is waking up again after a long season of dormancy.

It’s a season that has long symbolized new life, fresh beginnings, and growth—and in many ways, that’s how I think about pregnancy.

It’s a season of becoming. A season of watching new life grow, dreaming about the future, and waiting to meet someone who is already changing your world before they’ve even arrived.

But most expecting moms are really asking a different kind of question:

What stage of pregnancy is best for maternity photos?

And that’s exactly what I’m going to cover.

What Trimester Is Best for Maternity Photos?

The third trimester is typically the best time for maternity photos.

Your baby bump is beautifully visible, you’re still comfortable enough to move around and enjoy your session with ease.

While I typically recommend scheduling maternity photos between 28 and 34 weeks, pregnancy rarely fits into a perfect formula. Maybe this is your first pregnancy and you’re carrying differently than expected, maybe you are carrying twins (or more), maybe you are navigating a high risk pregnancy and wondering if you should schedule sooner.

If that’s you, keep reading because these are some of the most common questions I hear from expecting moms.

How Early Should I Take Maternity Photos?

This depends on several factors, including how you’re carrying, whether it’s your first pregnancy, and how you’re feeling physically.

I recommend planning your session before you feel like you’re “running out of time.”

Many moms assume they should wait until the very end of pregnancy, but sometimes waiting too long can add unnecessary stress. Babies don’t always follow the schedule we’ve planned for them!

Scheduling your session during that 28-34 week window gives us plenty of flexibility while still capturing this beautiful season.

What If I Have a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Every pregnancy journey is different, and sometimes that journey includes additional medical monitoring, restrictions, or unexpected challenges.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, I always recommend following your healthcare provider’s guidance when deciding when to schedule maternity photos.

In many cases, expecting moms with high-risk pregnancies choose to schedule their maternity session a little earlier than the traditional 28–34 week window. This can provide more flexibility and help ensure we capture this special season before any additional restrictions or complications arise.

Most importantly, your comfort and safety will always come first.

One of the things I love about maternity photography is that it celebrates your unique story. Whether your pregnancy has felt easy, difficult, or somewhere in between, this season is still worth documenting. These photographs become a reminder of your strength, your anticipation, and the incredible journey that brought your baby into the world.

If you have concerns about timing, I’d be happy to work with you to find a session date that feels right for your specific circumstances.

Is 23 Weeks Too Early for Maternity Photos?

Sometimes.

At 23 weeks, some moms have a clearly visible bump while others are just beginning to show.

First-time moms often carry differently than moms who have been pregnant before, so there isn’t a perfect answer.

If you’re considering a session around 23 weeks, I’d recommend looking at how your bump is developing and talking with your photographer. In many cases, waiting a few more weeks will help create the fuller maternity look most moms envision.

What If I’m Carrying Small?

This is another question I hear often.

If you’re carrying small, we may choose to schedule your session a little later. Every pregnancy is different, and the goal is to photograph you at a time when you feel confident and your bump is clearly visible.

That’s why personalized planning matters so much. Rather than choosing a date based solely on the calendar, I always encourage moms to consider how they’re feeling and how their pregnancy is progressing.

What If I’m Carrying Twins or Multiples?

Pregnancies involving twins, triplets, or more often move on a slightly different timeline.

Because moms carrying multiples tend to become uncomfortable earlier and babies sometimes arrive sooner, maternity sessions are often scheduled a bit earlier than singleton pregnancies.

In this case sessions tend to happen around 24-30 weeks, depending on your comfort level and your doctor’s recommendations.

Is 28 Weeks Too Early for Maternity Photos?

Not at all.

In fact, 28 weeks is often one of my favorite times for maternity sessions.

By this point, your belly is typically well-defined, and many moms still have good energy and feel comfortable moving around during the session.

For moms who are concerned about early delivery or who simply want a little extra cushion in their timeline, 28 weeks can be the perfect choice.

What Happens If I Wait Too Long?

There are certainly moms who have beautiful maternity sessions at 35, 36, or even 37 weeks.

However, waiting until the very end can create a few challenges.

You may experience increased swelling, fatigue, discomfort, or mobility limitations. There is also the possibility that your baby decides to arrive earlier than expected.

For that reason, I generally recommend not waiting until the last minute if possible.

What Should I Wear For Maternity Photos?

I personally love long, flowing dresses for the timeless whimsical feel they create. The movement of the fabric adds a soft, romantic element to your images and photographs beautifully, especially in outdoor settings. Soft neutral colors, and fabrics with movement all tend to photograph wonderfully and keep the focus on you and this special season of life. I offer a client closet with a selection of maternity gowns designed specifically for maternity photography. Many of these dresses feature flowing fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and timeless styles that photograph beautifully while helping you feel confident and comfortable during your session.

How Far In Advance Should I Book My Maternity Session?

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that you should wait until you’re ready to take your maternity photos before reaching out to a photographer.

In reality, I recommend booking your maternity session during your second trimester, ideally between 20 and 24 weeks. While your session will most likely take place between 28 and 34 weeks, booking a few months in advance allows us to thoughtfully plan every detail without feeling rushed.

Booking early means you’ll have a better chance of securing your preferred date, especially during the busy spring and fall seasons. It also gives us time to choose the perfect location, coordinate outfits, and create a session that reflects your family’s story.

More importantly, pregnancy doesn’t always follow the timeline we expect. Babies sometimes decide to arrive early, and some moms experience unexpected changes that may require us to move your session up. By planning ahead, we have the flexibility to adjust if needed while still preserving this beautiful season.

One of my goals is to make this experience as stress-free as possible. As you’re preparing for your little one’s arrival, there are already so many details to think about. Booking your maternity session early is one less thing to worry about, giving you the freedom to simply enjoy this special season of anticipation.

If you’ve recently entered your second trimester, now is the perfect time to reach out and start planning. Even if your session is still a few months away, we’ll have plenty of time to create something beautiful together.

Can My Husband And Children Be Included?

ABSOLUTELY!!

After all, this baby is a beautiful reflection of both you and your husband. You’re carrying your little one, but you’re creating this new life together, and I love capturing that connection during your session.

If you have children, we’ll include them too. These images become a sweet reminder of the season before your family grew and the excitement of welcoming a new sibling.

While I will always encourage family photos I’ll also make sure to capture plenty of portraits of just you and your husband. This is a special chapter in your relationship as you prepare to welcome your baby, and those moments deserve to be documented as well.

What If I Don’t Feel Beautiful Right Now?

If I’m being completely honest, this may be the most common concern of all.

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging.

Many moms tell me they don’t feel like themselves. They feel swollen, tired, uncomfortable, or unsure about being in front of the camera.

If that’s you, please know you’re not alone.

The purpose of maternity photos isn’t to prove that pregnancy is perfect.

It’s to preserve a season that is incredibly meaningful.

Years from now, you’ll remember so much more than how you felt about a particular outfit or whether your ankles were swollen that week. You’ll remember the anticipation, the excitement, the waiting, and the love that already existed before your baby arrived.

And those are memories worth preserving.

So When Is The Best Time For Maternity Photos?

For most moms, somewhere between 28 and 34 weeks is the sweet spot.

But more importantly, the best time is when you feel comfortable, confident, and excited to celebrate this season of your life.

Every pregnancy is unique, which is why I love helping my clients choose the timing that works best for their specific journey.

If you’re expecting and wondering when to schedule your maternity session, I’d love to help you create a plan that feels right for you and your family. If you’d like to chat about timing, locations, or what to expect from a session, you can reach out through my inquiry page here. I’d be honored to hear more about your growing family and answer any questions you may have.